Irrigation water prices for farmer-managed irrigation systems in Tanzania: a case study of Lower Moshi irrigation scheme

A computer program model for pricing irrigation water among beneficiaries was developed and tested. The data used for the purpose was collected from Lower Moshi farmer-managed irrigation scheme (FMIS) in northern part of Tanzania as a case study. The scheme has two intakes; namely Rau and Mabogini irrigation systems. Allam's mathematical model for allocating irrigation water price which was developed in Egypt (Allam, 1987) was adopted and adapted for the purpose. The results indicate that the irrigation water price depends on a number of structures serving the area, their installation costs, amount of water received by each tertiary block and water rights. The prices differ between different tertiary blocks within the same system and also between two systems that exist in Lower Moshi Irrigation Scheme (LMIS). This indicates that the model can be used as a tool by designers and planners for selecting the best designed irrigation system that farmers can afford to pay for its operation, maintenance and management. The mean irrigation water price value for Mabogini is Tshs. 12 151/-¹ while that of the Rau system is 10 414/-. To maintain uniformity of irrigation water price in the scheme, it is recommended that a mean value of Tshs. 11 283/- is used. Generally, farmers in Tanzania are used to contribute one bag of paddy which costs about Tshs. 10 000/- for maintenance works. Therefore, the irrigation water price derived from the model is reasonable and one the farmers can afford.